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Environmental Science

Northern’s environmental science program merges biological, physical, and information sciences with the study of environmental systems, issues, and solutions to major environmental problems.

As an environmental science major at Northern, you'll study the fascinating interrelation between the natural sciences. You'll examine the relationship between living organisms and the ecosystems in which they live, addressing how humans affect the environment and how you can help reduce or even reverse negative impacts.

NSU environmental science majors graduate with the ability to serve as a crucial information resource for managers, policymakers, and citizens as they work to address pressing environmental issues.

Wildlife Management Emphasis

Students choosing the wildlife management emphasis gain a strong knowledge base in organismal biology, ecology and conservation - and of the interactions between plants, animals, and their habitats, as how we impact organisms and their environment.

Environmental science-wildlife management courses include biology, chemistry, microbiology, physiology, cell and molecular biology, medical microbiology, immunology, hematology and biochemistry. Students often get out into the field to hone skills in field biology and ecology.

Laboratory components of Environmental Science courses provide students with hands-on skills, training, and experiences. Labs are typically quite experiential, allowing students to gain experience with tools, techniques, and procedures needed by successful professionals.

Bioremediation Emphasis

If you'd like to work to preserve, improve and repair our environment, Northern's environmental science-bioremediation degree is for you.

Bioremediation expertise is needed in a number of jobs - environmental consulting firms, water treatment plants, chemical companies, government agencies and more.

We encourage you to explore your individual interests, work closely with professors on research projects, and present your research results at meetings including NSU's Undergraduate Scholarship and Activity Forum, or in publications. We'll work closely with you and our regional connections to find internships and field experiences suitable to your interests.

Careers

Graduates will leave this program well prepared to enter careers as wildlife biologists, natural resource scientists, naturalists, aquatic ecologists or conservation biologists, or to pursue graduate education.

Most environmental science graduates are employed equally between the government and private, for-profit sectors. Many graduates work in the timber and paper industries and with farmers and ranchers. Others are employed with the government. Potential job titles include forestry and conservation scientists, biological scientists, administrators and secondary school teachers.

For more information on careers in your major or help choosing a major, contact the NSU Career Center.

Internships

Biology majors at NSU receive a very personal education. Our class sizes are small, allowing ample opportunity to interact directly with faculty of diverse specialties. This personal attention from well-qualified and enthusiastic professors, combined with our hands-on policy with laboratory equipment, give Northern students an edge when applying for internships.